Set-top box-based TV streaming and redirecting

ABSTRACT

A method for redirecting video content includes receiving a video signal at the set-top box and decoding the video signal to produce unrendered video data. The unrendered video data is encoded and provided to the remote device via a wide area network. By encoding unrendered, rather than rendered, video data for transmission to the remote device, the need for an encoding device external to the set-top box is obviated.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to communications networks, andmore particularly relates to providing video content via a communicationnetwork.

BACKGROUND

Video content is increasingly available through a variety of devices,including mobile devices. Conventionally, to obtain video content at amobile device such as a cellular telephone the device accesses aweb-based video source, such as a streaming video web site or repositoryof video content items. However, such web-based video sources typicallydo not provide the variety of content available via broadcast ormulti-cast video sources, such as Internet Protocol Television. Thislimitation in the available video content can result in a poorexperience for users of the mobile devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements illustrated in the Figures have not necessarily been drawn toscale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements areexaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporatingteachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respectto the drawings presented herein, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a communication network inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a particular embodiment of aset-top box of the communication network of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of providing video content from aset-top box to a remote device in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of providing video content from aset-top box to a remote device and to a local display device inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method of displaying video content from aset-top box at a mobile device in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will bedescribed with particular reference to the presently preferred exemplaryembodiments. However, it should be understood that this class ofembodiments provides only a few examples of the many advantageous usesof the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in thespecification of the present application do not necessarily delimit anyof the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may applyto some inventive features but not to others.

A method and device for redirecting video content from a set-top box toa remote device is disclosed. The method includes receiving a videosignal at the set-top box and decoding the video signal to produceunrendered video data. The unrendered video data is encoded and providedto the remote device via a wide area network. By encoding unrendered,rather than rendered, video data for transmission to the remote device,the need for an encoding device external to the set-top box is obviated.

FIG. 1 illustrates a particular embodiment of a communications network100 having a television server 102 and a residential gateway 106connected via an IPTV network 104. The communications network 100further includes a set-top box 110 connected to the residential gateway106, and a display monitor 130 connected to the set-top box 110.Further, the residential gateway is connected to a wide area network115, which is further connected to remote display devices 120 and 122.

The television server 102 stores television content for a serviceprovider. The television content can include network and cabletelevision programs, pay-per-view movies, streaming video content, orthe like. The television server 102 multicasts the television content tocustomer premises via the IPTV network 104.

The IPTV network 104 provides a physical backbone and logicalcommunication services for communications between the television server102 and various customer premises. In an embodiment, the IPTV network104 is a packet-switched network that routes data packets representingtelevision content from the television server 102 to one or morecustomer premises.

The residential gateway 106 is located at a customer premises, and is anaccess point to the premises for the IPTV network 104. Accordingly, theresidential gateway 106 receives television content from the IPTVnetwork 104 and routes the content to an appropriate device at thecustomer premises. Further, the residential gateway 106 can receiverequests for television content from devices at the customer premises,and provide those requests to the IPTV network 104. In addition, theresidential gateway can provide content, including television content,from a customer premises device to the wide area network 115.

The set-top box 110 is a customer premise device that is configured toreceive video content from the residential gateway 106, decode thecontent, and render the decoded content for display. Further the set-topbox 110 is configured to receive requests for video content from theresidential gateway 106, encode unrendered video data in response to therequests, and provide the encoded video data to the wide area network115.

The display monitor 130 can be a television, monitor, or other devicecapable of displaying rendered video content. As used herein, renderedvideo content refers to video information that has been formatted fortransfer to a display device, such as a television monitor, through astandard video connection such as a composite, HDMI, DVI, S-video, RCA,or other video connection. Accordingly, unrendered video content refersto decoded raw video data that has not been formatted for transfer anddisplay at a display device via a standard video connection.

The wide area network 115 provides a physical backbone and logical layerfor communications between remote display devices 120 and 122 and theresidential gateway 106. In an embodiment, the wide area network 115 isa packet switched network including servers, routers, and otherequipment to route packets based on address information included in eachpacket. In a particular embodiment, the wide area network 115 is theInternet. Further, it will be appreciated that although for purposes ofdiscussion the IPTV network 104 and the wide area network 115 areillustrated as separate networks, the networks can share one or moreelements in common, and could be the same network.

The remote display devices 120 and 122 are devices remote from thecustomer premises including the residential gateway 106, and are eachcapable of displaying video content. Accordingly, the remote displaydevices can each be a computer, mobile telephone, personal dataassistant, or the like.

In operation, the set-top box 110 requests video content from thetelevision server 102 via the IPTV network 104. In particular, a userprovides the set-top box 110 with control information indicating arequest for a particular video content item. The control information canbe received via an infra-red (IR) or other signal from a remote controldevice, via a user interface at the set-top box, or the like. Further,the control information can be indicative of a channel change request,an order of a pay-per-view movie, selection of a particular videocontent item for streaming or download, or the like.

In response to receiving the control information, the set-top box 110provides a request for the associated video content item to theresidential gateway 106, which in turn routes the request to thetelevision server 102. In response to the request, the television server102 identifies the requested video content item and provides it in aseries of packets to the residential gateway 106. The residentialgateway 106 provides the packets to the set-top box 110. In anembodiment, the video content is provided via the packets in an encodedformat that compresses the content, providing for faster transfer of thecontent via the IPTV network 104. For example, the video content can beprovided in a Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) format. The set-topbox 110 decodes the encoded content to produce unrendered video data,renders the video data, and provides the rendered video data to thedisplay monitor 130 for display. The set-top box 110 can also storereceived video content for subsequent playback.

The set-top box 110 can also receive requests for video content from thewide area network 115. In particular, a user of one of the remotedisplay devices 120 and 122 can enter a request for video content via auser interface. In an embodiment, the user interface can provide a listof available content via an electronic programming guide, searchabledatabase, or the like. The display devices 120 and 122 provide therequest to the residential gateway 106 via the wide area network 115.The residential gateway 106 routes the request to the set-top box 110which, in response, identifies the video content item requested. Theset-top box 110 then requests the identified video content item from thetelevision server 102, which provides encoded video data associated withthe requested item.

The set-top box 110 decodes the encoded video data to produce unrenderedvideo data associated with the requested video content item. The set-topbox 110 re-encodes the unrendered video data for transmission via thewide area network 115. In an embodiment, the set-top box 110 can changespecified parameters of the re-encoding process, so that the re-encodedvideo data is different from the encoded video data originally receivedfrom the IPTV network 104. For example, the set-top box 110 canre-encode the unrendered video data so that the video content has adifferent compression ratio, bit rate, or aspect ratio relative to theoriginally received video content. By changing these parameters, theset-top box 110 can provide the re-encoded video data in a formatsuitable for transmission and display at the requesting display device.Further, the set-top box 110 can be configured to identify the type ofrequesting remote display device (e.g. a cellular telephone), and setthe compression ratio, bit rate, and other parameters of the re-encodedvideo data so that the re-encoded video data can be efficientlytransferred to and displayed at the requesting remote display device.

The set-top box 110 can also provide security features for there-encoded video data. In one embodiment, the set-top box 110 canrequire authentication data prior to re-encoding or transmitting thevideo data to the requesting remote display device. The authenticationdata can be based on identification information associated with therequesting device (e.g. a device ID number or code), on user-providedauthentication information (e.g. a password or personal identificationnumber) or the like. Further, the set-top box 110 can, in there-encoding process, encrypt the video data to be provided to therequesting remote display device. The encryption can be based uponpre-arranged encryption keys, dynamically created keys, or the like.This encryption reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access to thevideo data during transmission.

The set-top box 110 transmits the re-encoded video data to therequesting remote display device via the wide area network 115. Theremote display device receives the video data, decodes it, and providesthe data for display. The data can be displayed in a streaming fashion,or stored for subsequent display.

The set-top box 110 can be configured to provide individual videocontent items to each of the remote display devices 120 and 122.Accordingly, the set-top box 110 can respond to individual requests fromeach of the devices, and provide individual content to each device viathe wide area network 115. Thus, the remote display devices 120 and 122can request and display different video content items simultaneously.Further, the video content items displayed at each device can beindividually paused, rewound, terminated, or the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a particular embodiment of aset-top box 210, corresponding to the set-top box 110 of FIG. 1. Theset-top box 210 includes a decoder 221, a remote control module 223, astreaming server 225, an encoder 227, a renderer 235, and outputconnectors 237. The decoder 221 includes a connection to transmit andreceive data from the IPTV network 104, an input to receive controldata, and an output to provide unrendered video data. The remote controlmodule 223 includes an input to receive remote control signals, an inputto receive internal control signals, and an output to provide controldata to the decoder 221.

The streaming server 225 includes a connection to transmit and receivedata from the wide area network 115, an output to provide internalcontrol signals to the remote control module 223, and an input toreceive encoded video data. The encoder 227 includes an input to receiveunrendered video data from the decoder 221, and an output to provideencoded video data to the streaming server 225. The renderer 235includes an input to receive unrendered video data from the decoder 221and an output to provide rendered video data. The output connectors 237include an input to receive the rendered video data from the renderer235 and an output to provide the rendered video data to the displaymonitor 130.

The decoder 221 is configured to receive encoded video data from theIPTV network 104 (via the residential gateway 106), decode the videodata, and provide unrendered video data at the output. Further, thedecoder 221 is configured to receive control data and, based on thecontrol data, request video content items from the television server102.

The remote control module 223 is configured to receive remote controlsignals from a user interface device, such as a television remotecontrol, and also to receive internal control signals indicative ofrequests for video content items from remote display devices. Based onthe received control signals, the remote control module 223 providescontrol data indicative of video content item requests to the decoder221.

The encoder 227 encodes the unrendered video data and provides theencoded data to the streaming server 225. The set-top box 110 can setvarious parameters for the encoding process in order to change theencryption, aspect ratio, and other features of the encoded video data.These parameters can be pre-determined or user-programmable.

The streaming server 225 formats the encoded video data received fromthe encoder 227 for transmission via the wide area network 115. Thestreaming server 225 can provide additional transmission functions,including buffering, flow control, and other functions, to ensureappropriate transmission of the encoded video data to a requestingremote display device.

The renderer 235 renders the unrendered video data 235 into anappropriate format for display via the display monitor 130. It will beappreciated that although for purposes of discussion the renderer 235and the encoder 227 are illustrated as connected to a common output ofthe decoder 221, in other embodiments individual unrendered video datacould be provided to each module for independent operation. Accordingly,a first unrendered video content item could be provided to the renderer235 for rendering while a second unrendered video content item issimultaneously provided to the encoder 227 for encoding. This allowsvideo content items to be independently displayed at the display monitor130 and via the remote display devices 120 and 122.

The output connectors 237 provide a physical connection layer for therendered video data provided by the renderer 235 to be communicated tothe display monitor 130. The output connectors 237 can include multipleconnectors, and can include S-video, A/V (RCA), DVI, HDMI, composite, orother video connectors.

In operation, the remote control module 223 can receive requests for avideo content item from a user interface device and, in response, canprovide control data to the decoder 221 indicative of the content item.The decoder 221 requests the video content item from the televisionserver 102 via the IPTV network 104. The decoder 221 receives encodedvideo data representative of the requested item, and decodes the data toproduce unrendered video data. The render 235 renders the unrenderedvideo data and provides rendered video data to the display monitor 130via the output connectors 237.

In addition, the streaming server 225 can receive requests from a remotedisplay device via the wide area network 115 a request for a videocontent item. In response, the streaming server 225 provides internalcontrol signals to the remote control module 223, which in turn providescontrol data to the decoder 221 indicative of the requested videocontent item. The decoder 221 sends the request to the television server102, and receives encoded data representative of the requested item. Thedecoder 221 decodes the data to produce unrendered video data, and theencoder 227 re-encodes the unrendered video data for transmission to therequesting remote display device. The streaming server 225 receives there-encoded video data and transmits it to the requesting device via thewide area network 115.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a particular embodiment of a methodof providing video content from a set-top box to a remote displaydevice. At block 302, a video signal is received at a set-top box. Thevideo signal can be a broadcast signal, a multicast signal, and thelike. In addition, the video signal can be received from any televisioncontent source, including a broadcast, cable, satellite or IPTV contentsource. At block 304, the set-top box decodes the video signal toproduce unrendered video data.

At block 306, the unrendered video data is re-encoded at the set-top boxfor transmission via a wide area network. In an embodiment, the set-topbox can also render the unrendered video data for display at a localdisplay monitor. At block 308, the re-encoded video data is communicatedto a remote display device via the wide area network.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a particular embodiment of a methodof providing video content from a set-top box to remote and localdisplay devices. At block 402, a plurality of video streams is receivedat a set-top box. At block 404, a first of the plurality of videostreams is decoded to produce first unrendered video data. At block 406,a second of the plurality of video streams is decoded to produce secondunrendered video data.

At block 408, the first unrendered video data is re-encoded, and atblock 410 the re-encoded video data is provided to a remote device via awide area network. At block 412, the second unrendered video data isrendered, and the rendered video data is displayed at a local displaydevice.

FIG. 5 is flow diagram of a particular embodiment of a method ofdisplaying video data at a mobile device. The mobile device can be amobile phone, personal data assistant, laptop computer, or the like. Atblock 502, the mobile device sends a request for video content to aset-top box via a wide area network. At block 504, the mobile devicesends authentication information to the set-top box. The authenticationinformation can be send with the request for video content, or via aseparate transmission event. The authentication information can be basedon user-specified information, such as a password, or on predeterminedinformation, such as device identification information.

At block 506, encoded video data associated with the requested videocontent is received at the mobile device. The received video datarepresents the result of an encoding process at the set-top box onunrendered video data. At block 508, the mobile device decodes theencoded video data and, at block 510 decrypts the decoded video data. Inan embodiment, decryption can take place prior to decoding of the data.In another embodiment, decryption and decoding can be incorporated intoa single process. At block 512, the decoded and decrypted video data isdisplayed at the mobile device.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the FIGs. are to be regarded as illustrative rather thanrestrictive.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not beused to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Inaddition, in the foregoing Detailed Description of the Drawings, variousfeatures may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment forthe purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to beinterpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodimentsrequire more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may bedirected to less than all of the features of any of the disclosedembodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into theDetailed Description of the Drawings, with each claim standing on itsown as defining separately claimed subject matter.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the present disclosed subject matter. Thus, tothe maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosedsubject matter is to be determined by the broadest permissibleinterpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shallnot be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

1. A method, comprising: receiving at a set-top box a video packetstream from a remote television server via an internet protocoltelevision network; decoding the video packet stream to produceunrendered video data; encoding the unrendered video data to produceencoded video data; rendering the unrendered video data to producerendered video data; providing the rendered video data at an output ofthe set-top box; and providing the encoded video data to a network fortransmission to a remote device.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving at the set-top box a request from the remotedevice for the encoded video data; and wherein providing the encodedvideo data comprises providing the encoded video data in response to therequest.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: authenticatingthe remote device in response to the request for the encoded video data;and wherein providing the encoded video data comprises providing theencoded video data in response to authenticating the remote device. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device is a cellular phone. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device is a computer device.6. The method of claim 1, wherein the video packet stream comprises amulticast video stream.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the videopacket stream comprises an internet protocol signal.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein encoding the unrendered video data comprises encryptingthe unrendered video data.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein encodingthe unrendered video data comprises changing an aspect ratio of theunrendered video data.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein encoding theunrendered video data comprises changing a bit rate of the unrenderedvideo data.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein encoding the unrenderedvideo data comprises changing a format of the unrendered video data. 12.A method, comprising: receiving at a set-top box a plurality of videopacket streams from at least one remote television server via aninternet protocol television network; decoding a first of the pluralityof video packet streams to produce first unrendered video data;receiving at the set-top box a first request from a first remote devicefor the first of the plurality of video packet streams; encoding thefirst unrendered video data in response to the first request to producefirst encoded video data; and providing the first encoded video data tothe first remote device.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:decoding a second of the plurality of videb packet streams to producesecond unrendered video data; rendering the second unrendered video dataat the set-top box to produce rendered video data; and providing therendered video data to a display device.
 14. The method of claim 12,further comprising, decoding a second of the plurality of video packetstreams to produce second unrendered video data; receiving at theset-top box a second request from the first remote device for the secondof the plurality of video streams; encoding the second unrendered videodata in response to the first request to produce second encoded videodata; and providing the second encoded video data to the first remotedevice.
 15. A method, comprising: requesting video content from aset-top box networked to a remote television server over an internetelevision network; receiving from the set-top box encoded video dataderived from a decoded video packet stream from the television server;decoding the encoded video data to produce decoded video data; anddisplaying the decoded video data.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinreceiving encoded video data comprises receiving encoded video data at amobile device.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mobile device isselected from the group consisting of a mobile phone, a personal dataassistant, and a portable computer.
 18. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: communicating authentication information to the set-top box;and wherein receiving the encoded video data comprises receiving theencoded video data in response to communicating the authenticationinformation.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising decryptingthe encoded video data.
 20. A set-top box, comprising: a decoding moduleconfigured to receive a video packet stream from a remote televisionserver via an interne protocol television network and to convert thevideo packet stream to unrendered video data; an encoder configured toconvert the unrendered video data to encoded video data; and a servermodule configured to provide the encoded video data to a remote devicevia a network.
 21. The set-top box of claim 20, further comprising: acontrol module configured to receive a request from the remote devicefor video content associated with the encoded video data.
 22. Theset-top box of claim 21, wherein the control module is furtherconfigured to receive requests from a remote control device for videocontent.
 23. The set-top box of claim 20, further comprising a rendererconfigured to convert the unrendered video data to rendered video datafor display at a local display device.